\[{H_2}S\;\] gas when passed through a solution of cations containing\[\;HCl\] precipitates the cations of second group of qualitative analysis but not those belonging to the fourth group it is because
(A) Presence of \[\;HCl\] decreases the sulphide ion concentration
(B) Solubility product of group $II$sulphates is more than that of group $IV$ sulphides
(C) Presence of \[\;HCl\] increases the sulphide ion concentration
(D) Sulphides of group $IV$cations are unstable in \[\;HCl\]
Answer
300.9k+ views
Hint: Second group of cations are precipitated on passing \[{H_2}S\;\] gas in an acidic medium say\[\;HCl\]. While the fourth group cations are precipitated in presence of basic medium. These groups are classified on the basis of selective precipitation of sparingly soluble salts.
Complete Step by Step Solution:
Hydrogen sulphide is a weak acid which dissociates as the following reaction
${H_2}S\underset {} \leftrightarrows {H^ + } + {S^{2 - }}$
As it is a weak acid so the reaction is in both directions.
Dissociation of \[\;HCl\]can be considered as follow:
$HCl\xrightarrow{{}}{H^ + } + C{l^ - }$
\[\;HCl\]is a strong acid hence is largely ionized to give ${H^ + }$ions. Thus, concentration of hydronium ions is increased and consequently the concentration of sulphide ions produced by ionisation of \[{H_2}S\;\]is sufficiently decreased due to common ion effects. As a result of which the sulphide ion concentration is sufficient enough to exceed the solubility product of sulphides of group $2$ cations. Since Ksp of sulphides of group $3$ and $4$cations is very high so these cations are not precipitated.
Thus, it is a common ion effect that suppresses the dissociation of\[{H_2}S\;\]to achieve precipitation conditions. This is due to the presence of $HCl$ that decreases the sulphide ion concentration.
Hence, the correct answer is A.
Note: Any other acid cannot be used in place of \[\;HCl\]. Weak acids like acetic acid are themselves partially dissociating that cannot suppress the dissociation of \[{H_2}S\;\]. Sulphuric acid will lead to precipitation of sulphates of group $5$. Nitric acid is a powerful oxidising agent that will oxidise \[{H_2}S\;\]to sulphur. Even concentrated hydrochloric acid cannot be used because it will suppress dissociation of \[{H_2}S\;\]to a large extent.
Complete Step by Step Solution:
Hydrogen sulphide is a weak acid which dissociates as the following reaction
${H_2}S\underset {} \leftrightarrows {H^ + } + {S^{2 - }}$
As it is a weak acid so the reaction is in both directions.
Dissociation of \[\;HCl\]can be considered as follow:
$HCl\xrightarrow{{}}{H^ + } + C{l^ - }$
\[\;HCl\]is a strong acid hence is largely ionized to give ${H^ + }$ions. Thus, concentration of hydronium ions is increased and consequently the concentration of sulphide ions produced by ionisation of \[{H_2}S\;\]is sufficiently decreased due to common ion effects. As a result of which the sulphide ion concentration is sufficient enough to exceed the solubility product of sulphides of group $2$ cations. Since Ksp of sulphides of group $3$ and $4$cations is very high so these cations are not precipitated.
Thus, it is a common ion effect that suppresses the dissociation of\[{H_2}S\;\]to achieve precipitation conditions. This is due to the presence of $HCl$ that decreases the sulphide ion concentration.
Hence, the correct answer is A.
Note: Any other acid cannot be used in place of \[\;HCl\]. Weak acids like acetic acid are themselves partially dissociating that cannot suppress the dissociation of \[{H_2}S\;\]. Sulphuric acid will lead to precipitation of sulphates of group $5$. Nitric acid is a powerful oxidising agent that will oxidise \[{H_2}S\;\]to sulphur. Even concentrated hydrochloric acid cannot be used because it will suppress dissociation of \[{H_2}S\;\]to a large extent.
Recently Updated Pages
Normality of 03 M phosphorus acid H3PO3 is A 05 B 06 class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A molecule with highest bond energy A Fluorine B Chlorine class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A 30 solution of H2O2 is marketed as 100 volume hydrogen class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate or metal class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

The degeneracy of hydrogen atom that has equal energy class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Chemistry In Hindi Chapter 1 Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

Hybridisation in Chemistry – Concept, Types & Applications

Understanding the Different Types of Solutions in Chemistry

What Are Elastic Collisions in One Dimension?

Effective Nuclear Charge for JEE

